Barabar Caves
बराबर गुफाएँ
India's oldest rock-cut caves, carved in the age of Ashoka. Their granite interior walls are polished to a mirror-like sheen, and the carved doorway of Lomas Rishi Cave is exquisite.
The Barabar Caves were carved in the 3rd century BCE under the Mauryan dynasty and are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. Their interior walls, cut from solid granite, are polished to a mirror-like finish and produce a striking echo. The entrance to Lomas Rishi Cave is carved to imitate a wooden arched doorway with elephant reliefs, and it is considered the origin of Indian cave architecture. The caves lie about 35 km north of Bodh Gaya; a hired car takes about 1 hour, followed by a 20-minute climb on foot. Set off in the morning and bring plenty of water.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Dungeshwari Cave Temples
- Royal Bhutan Monastery
- Tergar Monastery
- Sujata Stupa
- Tibetan Temple (Namgyal Monastery area)
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Bodhi Tree & Vajrasana
- Archaeological Museum, Bodh Gaya